Shipping a vehicle isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, issues may arise when your car is in transit or before shipment. Although you’re unlikely to encounter problems if you choose a reputable shipping company, things can occasionally go wrong. Here are some common problems that may arise when shipping a vehicle.
The risk of damage is undoubtedly one of the topmost concerns of customers who want to ship their vehicles. Fortunately, vehicle damage is often preventable. Here are some measures you can take to prevent or mitigate the effects of potential damage:
- Inspect your vehicle: Document your car’s condition by taking several images of the exterior and interior before shipping it.
- Schedule car service: Get your car checked to ensure there are no leakages before shipping it.
- Choose a reliable auto-shipping company: Finally, choose a shipping company with a good track record for safely shipping vehicles. Ideally, look for a company that offers enclosed carrier shipping, as cars shipped in enclosed carriers are less susceptible to damage than those shipped in open carriers.
Auto-shipping companies usually use the vehicle information customers provide to prepare for shipments ahead of time. If you misrepresent your vehicle, the shipping company may be unable to ship your car.
For instance, if you book a Toyota Corolla, which later turns out to be a Toyota RAV4, the shipping company may decline to ship your vehicle due to insufficient space.
Besides providing misleading descriptions, some customers don’t specify that the vehicle they are shipping is un-drivable. Generally, shipping companies assume that the cars they’re shipping are drivable because they must be driven onto the carrier.
If your car is inoperable, notify the shipping company before shipping to avoid delays, additional fees, or having your car rejected for shipment.
Auto-shipping companies provide transportation costs based on the vehicle’s weight, model, and shipping distance. If you misrepresent any of these details, the shipping company may give you an incorrect quote. Countercheck all the information you provide to avoid this issue.
Reputable shipping companies usually do their utmost best to deliver vehicles on time. Unfortunately, sometimes they may be unable to make deliveries on time due to unexpected issues such as bad weather, accidents, or mechanical problems.
If you don’t receive your vehicle on time, don’t fret. Reputable auto carriers provide a delivery time frame of up to three business days to account for unforeseen contingencies. Furthermore, they’ll keep you posted on the status of your delivery to alleviate your concerns.
While it isn’t illegal to ship items in your car, many auto carriers advise against doing so due to the potential risk of damage or loss. Before shipping your vehicle, consider removing all your personal belongings.
However, if you decide to ship your vehicle with your items inside, here are some best practices to remember:
- Remove valuables: Never leave valuable items such as jewelry, heirlooms, or high-end electronics.
- Remove fragile items: Don’t leave items prone to damage, such as glass.
- Adhere to the “below window” rule: Ensure boxes and luggage aren’t visible to people outside to minimize the risk of theft.
Finally, inquire about weight limits, as shipping companies usually have weight restrictions. If your vehicle exceeds the allowed weight, you may incur additional fees, or the carrier may decline to ship your vehicle.
Shipments don’t always go according to plan. Reputable companies update their clients about issues such as bad weather, vehicle breakdowns, and traffic. Unfortunately, some companies don’t keep their clients up to speed with the delivery. Choose a company that provides regular communication on several of your preferred channels to avoid this issue.
Auto carriers must have a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. They must also be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Ensure you choose a company with these credentials to avoid potential issues. Also, inquire whether the company offers insurance. Reputable companies usually offer insurance protection to cover vehicle damage caused by the shipper during transit.
Shipping a vehicle comes with its fair share of problems. Luckily, you can avoid many of the issues that arise during shipping by taking the precautions mentioned above.
You can also minimize the risks associated with shipping by choosing a reputable shipping company. You can ascertain a company’s reputation by checking its online reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, and Consumer Affairs. Generally, reputable companies have many favorable reviews on these sites. While mistakes happen, following these measures can ensure you choose a reliable carrier to ship your vehicle safely.
Whether you have a large SUV or a compact car, we have various shipping options to ship your vehicle safely. Contact Ship A Car today to learn about our shipping services.
